Red Sea Monasteries

Introducing Red Sea Monasteries

The Coptic monasteries of St Anthony and St Paul are Egypt’s and Christianity’s oldest monasteries, and are among the holiest sites in the Coptic faith. In fact, the establishment of the religious community of St Anthony’s, hidden in the barren cliffs of the Eastern Desert, marks the beginning of the Christian monastic tradition.

If you’re at all interested in Egypt’s lengthy Christian history, both monasteries make for fascinating and inspiring visits, and the surrounding desert scenery is simply breathtaking. And, depending on where you’re coming from, the Red Sea monasteries are a refreshing change of scene from the hassles and touts of Cairo and the Nile Valley, or the package tourism and rampant commercialism of the coastline.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009